Baku:The Media and Broadcasting Council has expressed strong condemnation over recent attacks on journalists in Azerbaijan, highlighting the physical violence and obstruction they have faced while reporting at incident scenes. These actions not only jeopardize the safety of journalists but also hinder the public's access to vital information about significant events.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the council's statement referenced Article 6 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Media," which prohibits unlawful interference with journalists' activities, as well as pressure and persecution against them. The council called for a thorough investigation of these incidents and urged respect for the lawful activities and safety of media representatives.
The statement comes in the wake of an incident involving APA Group employee Sanan Bahramli, who was attacked while covering a fire at a disused meat processing plant in Baku's Nizami district. Heydar Sardarov, claiming to be a security guard at the site, reportedly injured Bahramli and damaged the company's equipment. The Media and Broadcasting Council has emphasized the importance of allowing journalists to perform their duties without obstruction.